fly-leaf

The author signed his name on the fly-leaf of the book.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A blank leaf at the beginning or end of a book: A "fly-leaf" is an unprinted page that is typically found at the front or back of a book, between the cover and the main text. It is often used for inscriptions, notes, or to protect the book's contents.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She wrote a personal message to her friend on the fly-leaf of the novel. (A blank page at the front of the book used for an inscription.)
  • The fly-leaf at the end of the volume was left completely empty. (The blank page at the back of the book had no writing or printing.)

Advanced Usage

• "to sign the fly-leaf": to write one's name on the blank page of a book, often as a gift or dedication.
  • The author signed the fly-leaf of every copy sold at the book signing. (The author wrote his signature on the blank front page.)

Variants and Related Words

• Flyleaf (n): an alternative spelling of "fly-leaf", used interchangeably.

  • The flyleaf was torn out of the old textbook. (The blank page was removed.)

• Endpaper (n): the paper at the beginning and end of a book, often pasted to the inside cover; a fly-leaf is a type of endpaper.

  • The decorative endpaper featured a beautiful floral pattern. (The paper inside the cover was ornamental.)

Synonyms

• Blank page: a page with no printed content.
• End leaf: another term for a fly-leaf, especially in bookbinding.

Related Idioms

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs associated with "fly-leaf" as it is a specific technical term in bookbinding and publishing.